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Dear residents,
We’d like to thank everyone for their continued efforts to reduce the spread of the virus – whether that’s by staying home or helping others. Although these are very difficult times, the significant progress made on vaccine development and delivery will bring hope for many.
This week’s newsletter provides an update on the current situation in Leeds including guidance on the new restrictions.
Update on infection rates
The latest figures for the 7 day infection rate is 273.5 per 100,000 and the positivity rate is 11.2%.
It is encouraging to see that our infection rate and positivity rate are reducing, progress that is down to the significant sacrifices that everyone is making. However, our NHS continues to be under significant pressure with more coronavirus patients in hospital than in April.
We must all do our bit to keep the infection rate down. Remember to wash your hands, wear a face covering, and stay 2m apart from people you do not live with.
If you have symptoms, you must protect yourself and others and get tested. Ring 119 or visit the NHS website to book a test. Self-isolate if you are asked to and call 0113 376 0330 if you need support to help you do this.
Tier 3 restrictions
Current national restriction rules are still in place and must be followed until they expire at midnight next Tuesday (1 December).
This morning the government announced which local area is in which tier. Leeds and the rest of West Yorkshire will be in Tier 3 which will mean that from Wednesday 2 December:
- you should not mix with other households indoors;
- outdoors you can meet with a group of six people but only in public spaces, such as parks;
- all hospitality should be closed with the exception of takeaway, drive through or delivery options; accommodation should be closed other than exceptions (such as for business travel);
- all retail and personal care (such as hairdressers) can open, as can gyms and leisure centres (although exercise classes can’t take place);
- the advice is still to work at home if you can;
- places of worship are open but attendees cannot interact with anyone outside of their household/support bubble; maximum 15 guests for weddings (no receptions) and 30 for funerals;
- indoor entertainment venues will remain closed; outdoor events should not take place (other than drive in events); and
- advice is against travel out of the Tier 3 area other than where necessary for work or education or another exception.
A full list of Tier 3 restrictions can be found here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know#very-high-alert
As before, some exemptions apply and can be found here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know#exemptions
You will be able to use the postcode checker to find out the restrictions in your area or an area you plan to visit. The NHS COVID-19 app will be updated on 2 December.
Business Grants
The council has already awarded more than 2,100 grants worth a combined £3.39m to businesses in the city which were forced to close due to the latest national measures designed to stop the spread of coronavirus.
The following grant schemes for businesses financially impacted by the pandemic are now open or in development:
- Grant funding for businesses required to close due to the government’s national restrictions between 5 November and 2 December is available here: https://bit.ly/LeedsNationalRestrictions
- Hospitality venues and accommodation providers that pay business rates and have suffered financially due to the local restrictions introduced on 25 September 2020 can apply for support here: https://bit.ly/LeedsLocalRestrictions
- Businesses struggling to pay their business property costs due to the impact of coronavirus restrictions can apply for a grant to help pay fixed non-domestic property costs, such as mortgage payments, rent, service charges and business rates. This support scheme will be only be open for two weeks from 25 November until 8 December: https://bit.ly/2V0frLz
We are currently working on a further business support scheme for home based businesses and hope to have this available as soon as possible.
More information is available at https://bit.ly/LeedsBusinesses and help and advice for businesses is always available on our dedicated webpage that is updated regularly to reflect changing guidance and financial support schemes.
And finally…
Leeds Christmas Lights Switch-on will be held virtually for the first time in its history on Wednesday 2 December at 6.30pm, bringing some much needed festive cheer to the residents of Leeds.
Streamed on the Millennium Square Facebook and YouTube channels, the 2020 online seasonal showpiece will feature performances from John Newman, Class Dynamix, The Dunwells, John Parr, Hyde Park Brass, Chante Amour, Alex Winters and Jez Edwards with appearances from local sporting heroes Leeds United, Josh Warrington and Leeds Rhinos and a recorded message from The Lord Mayor of Leeds and this year’s Leeds Children’s Mayor.
Families, residents and communities can take part in the city’s first ever virtual lights switch-on by submitting video clips and images of their Christmas light displays at home by Sunday 29 November. Selected video clips/ images will feature in a dazzling digital montage that will be the climax of the exciting virtual event.
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